Journal Published Online: 01 March 2005
Volume 50, Issue 2

Observations on Dental Structures when Placed in Contact with Acids: Experimental Studies to Aid Identification Processes

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

In a “mafia” crime case, a magistrate asked us whether it is possible to destroy a cadaver by immersing it in acids, and would it be possible to identify any residues. The aim of this study was to observe the behavior of teeth exposed to four kinds of acid solutions. The teeth were placed in plastic containers with 25 mL of acid and observed. The experiences showed that teeth are completely dissolved after 14 h of immersion in 37% solution of hydrochloric acid, while at 90 h in 96% sulfuric acid, the destruction of the samples is still incomplete. In nitric acid the teeth undergo a complete dissolution in 12 h, and in 17 h in aqua regia (chloroazotic acid—hydrochloric/nitric acid 1:3). It was possible to recognize the characteristic morphological features of dental tissues and structures up until the advanced stages of degradation.

Author Information

Mazza, A
Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Merlati, G
Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Savio, C
Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Fassina, G
Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Menghini, P
Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Danesino, P
Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS2004292
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004292